The Starry-Eyed Podcast

Ep 37 - Weekend for Williams Live with Barb Nelson and Tayden Larsen

Recorded Live on June 1st, Jen and Brendan and joined by Producer Joel and WSA Vice President of Programming Sarah Giddings during their marathon Weekend for Williams fundraiser. The podcast was also part of a POWER HOUR where all donations were doubled thanks to Barb Nelson, the owner of Brinkley's Boutique. Barb joined the gang to talk about all the different ways Brinkley's Boutique raises awareness and money for the WSA throughout Williams Syndrome Awareness Month. Finally, the gang is joined by Tayden Larsen fresh from the job site working with his brother's roofing company.
It's not too late to donate. Go to WeekendforWilliams.org to donate or text WEEKEND to 71777.

Ep 36 - Defiantly Choosing Joy with Jess Holsapple and Tabitha Toney

During Williams Syndrome Awareness Month, it's important to recognize that, while our community has much to celebrate, there are also some very real challenges and tragedies.
Jen and Brendan are joined by Jessica Holsapple and Tabitha Toney, two mothers who each lost their young boys from complications with Williams syndrome. Jess continues to share her journey with Griffin at Life in Griffinland on Instagram and TikTok, and on Facebook. In addition to training the next generation of nurses, Tabitha serves as the camp nurse for the WSA's yearly summer camps for kids and teens in Georgia.
We thank them for their honesty and vulnerability in sharing their stories with us.
Please join us on May 31st and June 1st for the Weekend for Williams fundraiser where we are turning Awareness into Action. For more information and to donate to fund WSA programs and research, go to weekendforwilliams.org.

Ep 35 - Awarenessing with Clare Neal and Micah Wilgus

We're well into Williams Syndrome Awareness Month, and Jen and Brendan are joined by Clare Neal, whose niece spearheaded a fundraising effort with her dance troupe. After that, they're joined by Micah Wilgus, who is celebrating his 10th year of work at  @McDonalds  and is a tremendous advocate for Williams syndrome. Producer Joel also gives an update on his son Bennett's Chili Pepper Fundraiser which happened live on Facebook this past weekend!

Ep 34 - Kicking off Awareness Month with Sofia Napoli and Denise Callen

It's May, which means it's Awareness Month! 
Kicking the bleep out of the start of Awareness Month is Sofia Napoli. She joins Brendan and Producer Joel (filling in for Jen) to talk about the importance of advocating for yourself and to pump everyone up for this month's activities.
Then Jen and Brendan are joined by Denise Callen, Director of Walks for the WSA, to talk about what is different this year with the Fundraising Walks and the importance of Walk Chairs. The money we raise from Walk for WS's is vital to the operation of the WSA!
So grab a bowl of croutons and prepare for Williams Syndrome Awareness Month! 

Ep 33 - Turning Back the Years with Jen Sellars and Mike Hladish

In this episode, Jen and Brendan are joined by Jen and Mike...wait, that sounds confusing.Our hosts are joined by Jen Sellars (teacher and mom to a daughter with WS) and her friend Mike Hladish. They share their amazing story of growing up and reconnecting in a different part of the country that should warm your heart! We would like to acknowledge the wonderful organization Just People (https://www.justpeople.org/) where Mike lives. The 60 Minutes story referenced in the interview can be seen on the WSA Media and Entertainment page.
Producer Joel would like to thank Toto's Steve Lukather, Joseph Williams, and the rest of the band and crew for an amazing show and generous kindness toward Bennett (their number 1 fan!)

Ep 32 - Living, Loving, & Guardianship with Stella Beard and Clayton Carroll

In this episode, Jen and Brendan hear the fantastic and fascinating story of Stella Beard and Clayton Carroll. The mother and son duo discuss the tricky navigation of post-high school life and their journey from total guardianship to supported decision-making. 
Learn more about Clayton Carroll by searching "Clayton Carroll Speaks" on Facebook and search for Clayton Carroll on YouTube.
Reach out to us at podcast@williams-syndrome.org
 

Ep 31 - Leadership and Whispering Trails with Joshua Dean and Emma Thomas

Producer Joel joins Brendan as they interview Joshua Dean, an adventurous camper, hard worker, and fantastic leader fresh off his latest week in Georgia at Camp Blue Skies. Then, Jen and Brendan talk to Emma Thomas, Camp Director of Whispering Trails Therapy Camp and Teen Camp. Registration for the 2024 camp in July opens soon, and Emma tells us why the camp experience can be incredibly beneficial to our kiddos!
Check out Camp Whispering Trails information at www.williams-syndrome.org/camps, or email summercamp@williams-syndrome.org
Email the pod at podcast@williams-syndrome.org
 

Ep 30 - Joyeux Anniveraire! with Steph Caron and Cyndra Cole

It's our 1-year extravaganza! Thanks so much to all of you for tuning in and supporting our show.
To celebrate, we are joined by OG co-host Stephanie Caron to update us on how she's doing and reflect on what starting the podcast has meant to her.
Then Cyndra Cole, former WSA Board President and Episode 2 guest, turns the tables and asks us questions received from the audience!
Cheers to many more years to come!
Would you or your business like to sponsor The Starry-Eyed Podcast, please contact us at podcast@williams-syndrome.org

Ep 29 - Prepping for College with Pascale and Gerald Momplaisir

It's the last show of Year 1 of The Starry-Eyed Pod! Jen and Brendan are joined by Gerald and Pascale Momplaisir from Baltimore, MD. This Dad and Daughter Duo shares the excitement and opportunities of preparing for life after high school and getting ready for college. Pascale also gives us some insight into the particular challenges of being a young woman of color with a disability while Gerald (and his wife, Tara) navigate being parents trying to protect and do what's best for her and their other kids.
Got a question for the 1-Year Anniversary Show? Email us at podcast@williams-syndrome.org!

Ep 28 - Heart Health Month with Jess Stranz and Benjamin Jacob

Hey, look! We're so fresh and so clean! There is a new logo and new visuals, but it's the same awesome show!
First up is Jessica Stranz, an adult with WS from Michigan, sharing with Jen and Brendan her love of bowling, antiquing, and planes! Her journey with Williams syndrome is really wonderful!
Then, for Heart Health Awareness month, we're joined by Benjamin Jacob, who turned growing up with a brother with WS into a career caring for all kinds of hearts - including running the Williams syndrome clinic at Texas Children's Hospital. You can find more information about TCH at https://www.texaschildrens.org/departments/williams-syndrome-clinic.
Hope you enjoy the show. Like, subscribe, leave a comment - all the things!